Simi Institute
Surgical Technologist Associates Degree / Bachelors Degree Program
Surgical Technologists assist in surgical operations. They prepare operating rooms, arrange equipment, and help doctors during surgeries. The surgical technology field requires physical stamina, manual dexterity, the ability to maintain good working relationships with patients and medical staff, and the ability to work well in high-stress situations. Simi Institute’s Surgical Technology program is conducted in consortium with Excelsior University and is an associates degree program that starts in June of every year. There is also an option to earn a bachelor’s degree. Classes at SICE include both classroom (didactic) and hands-on training (clinical) and are intended to prepare students to assist in surgical operations. This intensive SICE Surgical Technology program includes math and science, anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, microbiology and infection control, introduction to surgical technology, principles of surgical technology, surgical procedures, career preparation, exam review, and clinical experiences in area hospitals and surgery centers. Upon successful completion of this program, students are eligible to take the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) Exam through Association of Surgical Technologist (AST) and become a Certified Surgical Technologists (CST). Program Admission
OVERVIEW Applications are accepted for the Surgical Technology program annually in the Spring. All applicants must be at least 18 years of age by the first class meeting OR will have earned a high school diploma or equivalent (GED, HiSET, TASC, or foreign equivalent) by July 1, 2025. All applicants should read at the 12th grade level. While a high school diploma or college coursework is not required of students over the age of 18, it is encouraged. The application includes a test of adult basic English, a short writing sample, and an interview. APPLICATION DATES The application process is now open for the 2025 - 2027 cohort. Click on the link below to download an application. You can also pick up a hard copy in the Counseling Office (Room 402). A non-refundable application fee of $50 is required and must be paid at time of application submission. PROGRAM SELECTION Selection for the Surgical Technology program is based on: a written entrance test of adult basic skills Part 1: English - reading comprehension and language skills Part 2: Math skills - equations, fractions, percentages, scientific notation, pre-algebra an interview with SICE Surgical Technology Program Staff academic preparation (from optional transcripts) PREREQUISITES Must be 18 years or older with a US high school diploma, GED (English version) or US college degree. Must speak, read, and write English at a college level. Foreign transcripts must be translated by a third party. At the student's expense, the following are required: 1. A physical exam that includes extensive lab work and proof of Hepatitis B immunization AFTER acceptance into program. 2. A current background check (90 days or newer) BEFORE starting clinical externship. Additional background check may be required for licensing and / or registration with the appropriate governing board. Students in Simi Institute’s Surgical Technology program complete the following educational modules: Anatomy and Physiology Medical Terminology Microbiology and Infection Control Surgical Pharmacology Principles and Practices of Surgical Technology Surgical Techniques I: Asepsis and Patient Care Surgical Techniques II: Instrumentation and Equipment Mock Surgery Practicum I Mock Surgery Practicum II Clinical Rotation Students must also complete courses in Fire Safety and Basic Life Support for the Healthcare Professional (included in the program tuition). Clinical Externship
Surgical Technologist students are also required to complete a clinical externship in Ventura and Los Angeles partner hospitals and surgery centers. This unpaid experience is educational in nature and includes work in sterile processing and in the operating room. Students must complete a minimum of 30 cases in General Surgery; 20 of which must be in the First Scrub Role. The remaining 10 cases may be performed in either the First or Second Scrub Role. Students must also complete a minimum of 90 cases in various surgical specialties, excluding General Surgery. 60 of the 90 specialty cases must be performed in the First Scrub Role. The remaining 30 cases may be performed in either the First or Second Scrub Role. 15 is the maximum number of cases that can be counted in one surgical specialty. Time:
8:00 am - 4:00 pm (Externship sites and hours vary. May include evenings.) Medical Program Requirements:
All SICE medical courses include required textbooks, supplies, and uniforms (unless otherwise noted). Students in all SICE medical programs should be 18 years or older, and speak, read, and write at a minimum 10th grade level. Licensing Requirements:
In addition to program completion and clinical requirements, proof of U.S. High School diploma or equivalent, passing licensure exam score, and additional items may be required for licensure in California. Job Duties
Surgical Technologists typically do the following: Prepare operating rooms for surgery Sterilize equipment and make sure that there are adequate supplies for surgery Ready patients for surgery, such as by washing and disinfecting incision sites Help surgeons during surgery by passing them instruments and other sterile supplies Count supplies, such as sponges and instruments Maintain a sterile environment Surgical Technologists work as members of a healthcare team alongside physicians, surgeons, registered nurses, and other healthcare workers. Before an operation, surgical technologists prepare the operating room by setting up surgical instruments and equipment. They also prepare patients for surgery by washing and disinfecting incision sites, positioning the patients on the operating table, covering them with sterile drapes, and taking them to and from the operating room. During an operation, Surgical Technologists pass instruments and supplies to surgeons and first assistants. They also hold retractors, hold internal organs in place during the procedure, or set up robotic surgical equipment. Technologists also may handle specimens taken for laboratory analysis. Once the operation is complete, Surgical Technologists may apply bandages and other dressings to the incision site. They may also help transfer patients to recovery rooms and restock operating rooms after a procedure. About 70 percent of Surgical Technologists work in hospitals. Some work in outpatient care centers or in offices of physicians who perform outpatient surgery. Surgical Technologists wear scrubs (special sterile clothing) while they are in the operating room. Their work may be physically demanding, requiring them to be on their feet for long periods. Surgical Technologists also may need to help move patients or lift heavy trays of medical supplies. At times, they may be exposed to communicable diseases and unpleasant sights, odors, and materials. Work Schedule
Most Surgical Technologists work full time. Surgical Technologists employed in hospitals may work or be on call during nights, weekends, and holidays. They may also be required to work shifts lasting longer than 8 hours. Detail oriented.
Surgical Technologists must pay close attention to their work at all times. For example, they need to provide the correct sterile equipment for surgeons during an operation. Dexterity.
Surgical Technologists should be comfortable working with their hands. They must be able to provide needed equipment quickly. Integrity.
Because they are trusted to provide sterile supplies and quality patient care during surgical procedures, Surgical Technologists must have integrity. Physical stamina.
Surgical Technologists should be comfortable standing for extended periods. Stress-management skills.
Working in an operating room can be stressful. Surgical Technologists should be able to work well under pressure while providing a high level of care. Surgical Technologist FAQs
How long is the program? The program is 16+ months long. How much does the program cost? The program costs approximately $17,700, which includes all materials, scrubs, textbooks, and other supplies. Please note that additional fees may apply. When does the program start? New cohorts begin once a year, starting in June. What happens during the application process? A non-refundable application fee of $50 is required and must be paid at time of application submission. Once your application is submitted with relevant attachments, you will receive an email regarding TABE testing. TABE testing of all applicants for reading comprehension is scheduled and conducted. Interviews with ST staff are scheduled and conducted. Upon completion of the application process, all applicants will be notified of their status in the program via email.
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Surgical Technologists assist in surgical operations. They prepare operating rooms, arrange equipment, and help doctors during surgeries. The surgical technology field requires physical stamina, manual dexterity, the ability to maintain good working relationships with patients and medical staff, and the ability to work well in high-stress situations. Simi Institute’s Surgical Technology program is conducted in consortium with Excelsior University and is an associates degree program that starts in June of every year. There is also an option to earn a bachelor’s degree. Classes at SICE include both classroom (didactic) and hands-on training (clinical) and are intended to prepare students to assist in surgical operations. This intensive SICE Surgical Technology program includes math and science, anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, microbiology and infection control, introduction to surgical technology, principles of surgical technology, surgical procedures, career preparation, exam review, and clinical experiences in area hospitals and surgery centers. Upon successful completion of this program, students are eligible to take the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) Exam through Association of Surgical Technologist (AST) and become a Certified Surgical Technologists (CST). Program Admission
OVERVIEW Applications are accepted for the Surgical Technology program annually in the Spring. All applicants must be at least 18 years of age by the first class meeting OR will have earned a high school diploma or equivalent (GED, HiSET, TASC, or foreign equivalent) by July 1, 2025. All applicants should read at the 12th grade level. While a high school diploma or college coursework is not required of students over the age of 18, it is encouraged. The application includes a test of adult basic English, a short writing sample, and an interview. APPLICATION DATES The application process is now open for the 2025 - 2027 cohort. Click on the link below to download an application. You can also pick up a hard copy in the Counseling Office (Room 402). A non-refundable application fee of $50 is required and must be paid at time of application submission. PROGRAM SELECTION Selection for the Surgical Technology program is based on: a written entrance test of adult basic skills Part 1: English - reading comprehension and language skills Part 2: Math skills - equations, fractions, percentages, scientific notation, pre-algebra an interview with SICE Surgical Technology Program Staff academic preparation (from optional transcripts) PREREQUISITES Must be 18 years or older with a US high school diploma, GED (English version) or US college degree. Must speak, read, and write English at a college level. Foreign transcripts must be translated by a third party. At the student's expense, the following are required: 1. A physical exam that includes extensive lab work and proof of Hepatitis B immunization AFTER acceptance into program. 2. A current background check (90 days or newer) BEFORE starting clinical externship. Additional background check may be required for licensing and / or registration with the appropriate governing board. Students in Simi Institute’s Surgical Technology program complete the following educational modules: Anatomy and Physiology Medical Terminology Microbiology and Infection Control Surgical Pharmacology Principles and Practices of Surgical Technology Surgical Techniques I: Asepsis and Patient Care Surgical Techniques II: Instrumentation and Equipment Mock Surgery Practicum I Mock Surgery Practicum II Clinical Rotation Students must also complete courses in Fire Safety and Basic Life Support for the Healthcare Professional (included in the program tuition). Clinical Externship
Surgical Technologist students are also required to complete a clinical externship in Ventura and Los Angeles partner hospitals and surgery centers. This unpaid experience is educational in nature and includes work in sterile processing and in the operating room. Students must complete a minimum of 30 cases in General Surgery; 20 of which must be in the First Scrub Role. The remaining 10 cases may be performed in either the First or Second Scrub Role. Students must also complete a minimum of 90 cases in various surgical specialties, excluding General Surgery. 60 of the 90 specialty cases must be performed in the First Scrub Role. The remaining 30 cases may be performed in either the First or Second Scrub Role. 15 is the maximum number of cases that can be counted in one surgical specialty. Time:
8:00 am - 4:00 pm (Externship sites and hours vary. May include evenings.) Medical Program Requirements:
All SICE medical courses include required textbooks, supplies, and uniforms (unless otherwise noted). Students in all SICE medical programs should be 18 years or older, and speak, read, and write at a minimum 10th grade level. Licensing Requirements:
In addition to program completion and clinical requirements, proof of U.S. High School diploma or equivalent, passing licensure exam score, and additional items may be required for licensure in California. Job Duties
Surgical Technologists typically do the following: Prepare operating rooms for surgery Sterilize equipment and make sure that there are adequate supplies for surgery Ready patients for surgery, such as by washing and disinfecting incision sites Help surgeons during surgery by passing them instruments and other sterile supplies Count supplies, such as sponges and instruments Maintain a sterile environment Surgical Technologists work as members of a healthcare team alongside physicians, surgeons, registered nurses, and other healthcare workers. Before an operation, surgical technologists prepare the operating room by setting up surgical instruments and equipment. They also prepare patients for surgery by washing and disinfecting incision sites, positioning the patients on the operating table, covering them with sterile drapes, and taking them to and from the operating room. During an operation, Surgical Technologists pass instruments and supplies to surgeons and first assistants. They also hold retractors, hold internal organs in place during the procedure, or set up robotic surgical equipment. Technologists also may handle specimens taken for laboratory analysis. Once the operation is complete, Surgical Technologists may apply bandages and other dressings to the incision site. They may also help transfer patients to recovery rooms and restock operating rooms after a procedure. About 70 percent of Surgical Technologists work in hospitals. Some work in outpatient care centers or in offices of physicians who perform outpatient surgery. Surgical Technologists wear scrubs (special sterile clothing) while they are in the operating room. Their work may be physically demanding, requiring them to be on their feet for long periods. Surgical Technologists also may need to help move patients or lift heavy trays of medical supplies. At times, they may be exposed to communicable diseases and unpleasant sights, odors, and materials. Work Schedule
Most Surgical Technologists work full time. Surgical Technologists employed in hospitals may work or be on call during nights, weekends, and holidays. They may also be required to work shifts lasting longer than 8 hours. Detail oriented.
Surgical Technologists must pay close attention to their work at all times. For example, they need to provide the correct sterile equipment for surgeons during an operation. Dexterity.
Surgical Technologists should be comfortable working with their hands. They must be able to provide needed equipment quickly. Integrity.
Because they are trusted to provide sterile supplies and quality patient care during surgical procedures, Surgical Technologists must have integrity. Physical stamina.
Surgical Technologists should be comfortable standing for extended periods. Stress-management skills.
Working in an operating room can be stressful. Surgical Technologists should be able to work well under pressure while providing a high level of care. Surgical Technologist FAQs
How long is the program? The program is 16+ months long. How much does the program cost? The program costs approximately $17,700, which includes all materials, scrubs, textbooks, and other supplies. Please note that additional fees may apply. When does the program start? New cohorts begin once a year, starting in June. What happens during the application process? A non-refundable application fee of $50 is required and must be paid at time of application submission. Once your application is submitted with relevant attachments, you will receive an email regarding TABE testing. TABE testing of all applicants for reading comprehension is scheduled and conducted. Interviews with ST staff are scheduled and conducted. Upon completion of the application process, all applicants will be notified of their status in the program via email.
#J-18808-Ljbffr